Celebrity support

Fern Britton

"You have put a lot of time and effort in to achieving your Award and it is the basis of a great future. It's a fantastic achievement to say that you are a Gold Award holder!"

Theo Paphitis

"When I get a CV through, to see the DofE on it is a big tick in the box, because you chose to do something torturous and hard. You took on the challenge and got there in the end!"

Bill Bailey

“By challenging yourself and taking yourself out of your comfort zone it has a lasting benefit for the rest of your life. Don’t stop now, now’s the time to take the skills you’ve learnt and use them in your life and work.”

Michael Palin

"The DofE is rightly prestigious and the help and support it gives, and the initiative and sense of achievement it encourages, is enormously valuable to young people today."

Alastair Stewart

"You are the elite, not because of your background but because of what you have chosen to become through your DofE programme. Never forget what you have done, what you have become and what you can do with it.”

Jack Osbourne

“Having the DofE Awards available to our youth is crucial in helping them to set goals and achieve them. I commend you all for being mature enough in making your commitments to your programme.”

Sue Barker

“As Award holders you have shown commitment, belief, dedication and teamwork which will be a springboard for which ever career in life you chose. I’m always so inspired by young people who have achieved so much.”

Joanna Lumley

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a way of recognising the extraordinary achievement of young people aged 14-25, which is just the age when I was being useless, they are doing something fantastic and challenging themselves in every possible way.”

Fiona Phillips

“The fact that you have chosen to do something exceptional like the DofE makes you really special. You have worked hard and shown determination to get here. Because you’ve gone that extra mile, the world is open to you.”

Gaby Roslin

"It’s very tough out there at the moment for anyone, especially young people, and DofE Award holders have proved that they’ve got what it takes, they are our future and I feel very safe in their hands.”

James Phelps

"Through doing your DofE, you’ve gained many new skills and experiences. I hope in the future you’ll take these skills forward and you’ll look at your Award with much pride."

Jon Culshaw

"As DofE Award holders what you have achieved is truly incredible. You have climbed hills in wind, rain and sun, helped local communities and done so much that will help you in your future lives. I congratulate you."

Amanda Holden

“A DofE Award is recognisable worldwide and is testament to the commitment you’ve put in over the last few years. Something that I love about the DofE is that there are no barriers, it is open to everyone and I’d have loved to have been able to do mine when I was younger.

Ade Adepitan

“It’s not just about receiving the Award, it’s also about the journey, what you had to do, what you have done. Go for your dreams, don’t let anything hold you back or put a ceiling on your ambition. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, it’s our mistakes that make us.”

Levi Roots

“I think it’s really important to have something like the DofE which helps young people to realise their dreams. My advice to the achievers is to stay focused, business doesn’t belong to anyone, anybody can go out there and achieve their dreams and the DofE is a great platform for that.”

Nick Hewer

"As you have gone through the DofE, you have been growing with it and, as Award holder, you’ve shown you can hack it. Bear in mind that if you commit yourselves, you can all perform at an even higher level and you should aim to do so. Even more is expected of you and you should expect it from yourselves – go for it!"

Sian Williams

"As Award holders you have shown courage, resilience and determination. What you have achieved will stand you in good stead for the future.The DofE helps create confident, compassionate young people, who care about their environment and the people within it. I wish I'd done it!"

Benedict Cumberbatch

"What these young people have achieved is fantastic, not just for themselves but for their communities. As an actor I know how much their experiences and the skills they’ve developed matter, without determination and passion I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wish them every success for the future.”

Charley Boorman

“Everyone should have adventure in their life and the DofE gives you the taste for it. Going outside your comfort zone, trying new things, visiting different places, meeting new people: all character building experiences that set you on an exciting life journey. The DofE is such a respected achievement in the workplace, people will stand up and listen to you guys.”

Deborah Meaden

"I am a big fan of the DofE. As Award holders you are our hope for the future - you've shown that you're committed, capable and confident and potential employers will know instantly what you're made of. Confidence is the magic ingredient in life; it will open doors and allow your talent to blossom. Go on and make the best of your life, for yourself, your family and our society."

Vivienne Westwood

“The DofE has given young people a sense of achievement and a motivation to make the world a better place. If you have that as your aim in life you won’t go wrong, you’ll do your best. As Award holders you owe it to yourself and the world to fulfil your potential, follow your deep curiosity. Believe in yourself and follow what interests you. The acorn is to become the oak.”

Carol Kirkwood

"The beauty of the DofE is it recognises achievement that is so much more than an exam pass. It recognises the sort of achievement that actually changes things and people for life."

John Hurt

"It is my enormous pleasure to congratulate everyone who has achieved their Gold Awards. I know the commitment and drive you’ve demonstrated to reach this point."

James Cracknell OBE

"Any employer will look at your Gold Award on your CV and know you are someone who can commit to a long term goal and achieve."

Andrea Byrne

Being a Gold Award holder myself, I know just how much commitment and determination you’ve shown to complete your Awards and these achievements are what will make you stand out to future employers.

Katie Melua

“You have so many opportunities available to you and I know, as DofE Award holders, you’re not taking these for granted – you’re seeking out the possibilities and striving for them.”

Lizzy Yarnold MBE

“What you’ve done is nothing less than awesome and a huge achievement but it’s not the end; it’s the start of the next chapter and I hope you go on to even tougher challenges.”

Greg Burns

“I regret not having the chance to do my DofE. It’s something you’ll remember forever, something you’ll be able to tell your grandkids about! Putting your DofE Gold Award on your CV will mean so much to potential employers, not just in the UK but around the world.”

Yasmin Evans

Achieving your DofE Award shows you have the stamina and desire to stand out from the crowd, to be an individual. Whatever career you go into, your Award will be an asset, it’ll make people remember you which is crucial to getting your foot in the door.

John Torode

The DofE gives people extraordinary skills; resilience, confidence and communication. You have learnt a huge amount, especially how to be adaptable which will help you throughout your life.

Naga Munchetty

Achieving your DofE Award shows you have the stamina and desire to stand out from the crowd, to be an individual. Whatever career you go into, your Award will be an asset, it’ll make people remember you which is crucial to getting your foot in the door.”

Adrian Chiles

When I was at school I didn’t have the get up and go that you have shown. I am genuinely impressed. A Gold DofE Award means something, you don’t just get given it, you’ve worked hard for years. You should be very proud. Doing your DofE I’m sure you learnt more about life and what it takes to succeed, way more than through your academic studies.

Jonathan Ross

“I’ve been an admirer of the DofE for many years. Throughout this time I’ve met lots of people who’ve done it and they’re the type of people you’d like to know and employ - employers are always keen to meet people like you. I know the experience you’ve had will be an enormous benefit; it’s an incredible achievement, it’s exciting, impressive and fills me with a lot of hope for the future. You’re the best of your generation!”

David Walliams

“There’s something very special about DofE Award holders - their capacity to help others. It’s an amazing attribute that I hope you carry forward to the rest of your lives. Whilst the DofE is great to have on your CV to help you get a job, I think the most important thing is how much you’ve grown as people. The hard work and dedication that you’ve put in counts for so much and sets you up for a very successful future.”

Rt. Hon Ann Widdecombe

I’m sure there was the odd moment during your DofE journey when things didn’t go right, but you overcame those challenges and didn’t give up. You can take this with you through life, knowing you were determined to press on. Nothing is ever beyond you if you’re determined and creative enough. As Gold DofE Award holders I don’t think there’s very much you won’t be able to do.